Alarm device for ship automation system

Abstract

The utility model relates to an alarm device for a ship automation system. According to the alarm device for the ship automation system, the ship automation system comprises a main server and a hot redundancy server corresponding to the main server, alarm information of the ship automation system can be stored in the main server and the hot redundancy server, and the alarm device comprises a reservation server, a communication server and a communication server, the server is configured to receive alarm information from a main server and a hot redundancy server through a subscription system; the client is configured to periodically send an alarm information sending request to the predetermined server and receive alarm information from the predetermined server based on the response of the predetermined server to the alarm information sending request; the programmable logic control unit is configured to receive and store the alarm information from the client; and the control panel is configured to inform a user of the alarm information in a preset mode under the control of the programmable logic control unit. Therefore, the stability and robustness of data transmission are ensured, and the stability of the system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of shipbuilding, and more specifically, to an alarm device for ship automation systems. Background Technology

[0002] Ship automation systems typically include a main alarm system and extended alarm systems. The main alarm system is the most basic alarm system on a ship, its primary function being to promptly alert the crew and prompt them to take appropriate measures in the event of a malfunction or emergency. Extended alarm systems, building upon the main alarm system, further expand the transmission range and receiving points of the alarm signals. When the engine room is unattended, the extended alarm system groups the engine room malfunction alarm signals and transmits them to the bridge, public areas, and the living quarters of the chief engineer and watchkeeping crew. This ensures that even when the engine room is unattended, crew members in other critical locations can receive alarm information promptly, guaranteeing the ship's safety.

[0003] In ship automation systems, a hot-redundant server / client topology is often used. This means that there are two or more servers in the system that can back each other up. If one server fails, another server can automatically take over to ensure continuous system operation. When an alarm occurs on the ship, the server stores the alarm information issued by the main alarm system. Extended alarm systems can receive the alarm information from the server and notify the relevant crew members.

[0004] In existing extended alarm systems, clients typically receive alarm information directly from the ship's automation system server. However, when one server in the ship's automation system automatically switches to another due to a failure, the client struggles to quickly and accurately determine which server has been switched to. This can lead to unstable data transmission between the client and the server, and in some cases, a system restart may be required to restore the extended alarm system's functionality.

[0005] Furthermore, the programmable logic control units (PLCs) and control panels used in existing extended alarm systems are obsolete and cannot be purchased as spares. This means users may face the predicament of being unable to replace or repair faulty PLCs and control panels, impacting system maintenance and continuous operation. In addition, the communication protocols used in existing extended alarm systems are not user-friendly and lack reliability. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of the current state and shortcomings of the technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an alarm device for a ship automation system. It communicates internally with the main server and hot redundancy server of the ship automation system through a predetermined server. In the event of a failure of the main server or the hot redundancy server, it can quickly and accurately determine which server the system switches to and reliably receive alarm information from that server. This ensures the stability and robustness of data transmission, reduces system downtime, and improves the stability and reliability of the system.

[0007] Furthermore, the alarm device for ship automation systems according to this utility model updates and replaces the old programmable logic control units, control panels, and communication protocols with the latest programmable logic control units, control panels, and communication protocols. This makes the alarm device easier to maintain, further improves the performance of the alarm device, and provides users with a more efficient and secure data exchange experience.

[0008] According to an embodiment of this utility model, an alarm device for a ship automation system is provided. The ship automation system includes a main server and a corresponding hot redundancy server. Data between the main server and the hot redundancy server is kept synchronized. Alarm information of the ship automation system can be stored in the main server and the hot redundancy server. The alarm device for the ship automation system includes: a subscription server, which communicates internally with the main server and the hot redundancy server and is configured to receive alarm information from the main server and the hot redundancy server via a subscription system; a client, which communicates with the subscription server and is configured to periodically send alarm information transmission requests to the subscription server and receive alarm information from the subscription server based on the subscription server's response to the alarm information transmission requests; a programmable logic control unit (PLC), which communicates with the client and is configured to receive and store alarm information from the client; and a control panel, which communicates with the PLC and is configured to notify the user of the alarm information in a predetermined manner under the control of the PLC.

[0009] By establishing internal communication between the pre-defined server and the main server and hot redundancy server of the ship automation system, the system can quickly and accurately determine which server to switch to in the event of a failure of the main server or hot redundancy server, and reliably receive alarm information from that server. This ensures the stability and robustness of data transmission, reduces system downtime, and improves the stability and reliability of the system.

[0010] In the alarm device for a ship automation system according to the present invention, the predetermined server is an OPC UA server, wherein the OPC UA server communicates internally with the main server and the hot redundancy server via an S7 connection.

[0011] The OPC UA server can automatically handle the switching between the primary server and the hot redundant server through internal communication, providing more stable communication and data transmission, and improving the reliability and efficiency of the system.

[0012] In the alarm device for a ship automation system according to this utility model, the client is an OPC UA client, and the OPC UA client and the OPC UA server communicate with each other through the OPC UA protocol.

[0013] By establishing a communication connection between the OPC UA client and the OPC UA server via the OPC UA protocol, communication latency and data processing time can be reduced, providing higher efficiency and reliability for data transmission.

[0014] In the alarm device for a ship automation system according to the present invention, the programmable logic control unit is an S7-1500 PLC, and the S7-1500 PLC communicates with the OPC UA client via an S7 connection.

[0015] The S7-1500 PLC supports more communication protocols, enabling more efficient data exchange and wider application integration. Furthermore, communication between the S7-1500 PLC and OPC UA clients via an S7 connection allows for more flexible and secure data exchange.

[0016] In the alarm device for a ship automation system according to the present invention, the control panel is a KTP700 panel, and the KTP700 panel is connected to the S7-1500 PLC for communication via an S7 connection.

[0017] The KTP700 panel provides users with a clearer interface, higher resolution, and more interactive functions, improving the system's user-friendliness.

[0018] In the alarm device for a ship automation system according to the present invention, the predetermined mode includes at least one of the following: alarm sound, vibration reminder, message pop-up, highlighting, and icon prompt.

[0019] The above methods provide specific ways to notify users of alarm information. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1A schematic diagram of an alarm device for a ship automation system according to the present invention is shown.

[0022] The reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:

[0023] A: Main server

[0024] B: Hot Redundancy Server

[0025] C: Network connection device

[0026] 1: Alarm devices for ship automation systems

[0027] 10: Reserve server

[0028] 12: Client

[0029] 14: Programmable Logic Control Unit

[0030] 16: Control Panel. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0032] This invention provides an alarm device for ship automation systems. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an alarm device for a ship automation system according to the present invention is shown below. Figure 1 The present invention describes an alarm device for a ship automation system.

[0033] exist Figure 1 For ease of description, the main server A and the hot redundancy server B of the ship automation system are also shown in the alarm device for the ship automation system according to this utility model.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the alarm device 1 for a ship automation system includes a pre-defined server 10, a client 12, a programmable logic control unit 14, and a control panel 16.

[0035] The subscription server 10 communicates internally with the main server A and the hot redundancy server B of the ship's automation system, and is configured to receive alarm information from the main server A and the hot redundancy server B via a subscription model. Figure 1In this configuration, the reserved server 10, the main server A, and the hot redundant server B are connected together by a network connection device C (e.g., a switch) via fiber optic cable or cable.

[0036] In a ship automation system, the main server A and the hot-redundant server B back up and synchronize their data. If one server fails, the other automatically takes over without any data or service interruption, ensuring continuous system operation. The main server A and the hot-redundant server B store various data about the ship monitored by the ship automation system, including but not limited to alarm information detected by the system. Alarm information may include, for example, alarms from mechanical and engine systems, navigation systems, electrical systems, environmental systems, and communication systems.

[0037] The designated server 10 can be, for example, an OPC UA (Open Platform Communication Unified Architecture) server. OPC UA is a more modern and secure communication standard that provides more powerful internal functions to handle switching between servers. An OPC UA server is a server based on the OPC UA standard used to realize data communication and interaction between different devices and software in industrial automation systems.

[0038] The pre-defined server 10, acting as the OPC UA server, can communicate internally with the main server A and the hot-redundant server B via an S7 connection. Internal communication refers to communication between servers within the same internal network, typically data transmission via a local area network (LAN) or internal network. This type of communication is generally faster, more secure, and easier to set up and manage. An S7 connection is a communication protocol used to connect and communicate between PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and other devices, such as HMIs (Human Machine Interfaces) and SCADA systems. Through an S7 connection, different devices can transmit data and exchange control commands, thereby enabling monitoring and control in automated production processes.

[0039] A subscription model between servers refers to a system where one server can subscribe to certain information or services from another server. Through this model, servers can obtain information published by other servers in real time, enabling them to process or respond promptly. This mechanism facilitates information sharing, collaboration, and interaction between servers, improving system efficiency and performance. Common subscription models include publish / subscribe and web subscriptions.

[0040] In this invention, the OPC UA server can automatically handle the switching between the primary server and the hot redundant server through internal communication. In the event of a failure of the primary server or the hot redundant server, it can quickly and accurately determine which server the system switches to and reliably receive alarm information from that server, thereby providing more stable communication and data transmission and improving the reliability and efficiency of the system.

[0041] Client 12 is connected to the pre-defined server 10 and is configured to periodically send alarm information sending requests to the pre-defined server 10, and receive alarm information from the pre-defined server 10 based on the pre-defined server 10's response to the alarm information sending requests.

[0042] Client 12 may be, for example, an OPC UA client based on the OPC UA standard. Client 12 periodically sends alarm information transmission requests to the pre-selected server 10 at 5-second intervals, requesting the pre-selected server 10 to send alarm information to client 12. In response to client 12's request, the pre-selected server 10 sends alarm information received from the primary server A or the hot redundancy server B to client 12. Client 12 receives the alarm information from the pre-selected server 10.

[0043] Client 12 communicates with the pre-defined server 10 via the OPC UA protocol. The OPC UA protocol is a more modern protocol designed to unify various OPC specifications, providing a universal framework that supports not only data access and alarm events, but also historical data access, security, and information modeling. It aims to provide a unified communication standard across platforms and industries.

[0044] The programmable logic control unit (PLC) 14 is communicatively connected to the client 12 and is configured to receive and store alarm information from the client 12. After receiving alarm information from the predetermined server 10, the client 12 sends the received alarm information to the programmable logic control unit 14 and stores it in the memory of the programmable logic control unit 14.

[0045] The programmable logic control unit 14 can be, for example, an S7-1500 PLC and communicates with a client 12, for example, an OPC UA client, via an S7 connection. Upon receiving an alarm message, the programmable logic control unit 14 uses its internal logic to classify and organize the alarm message, determining how to send the alarm message and to which components to send it based on criteria such as the severity of the alarm.

[0046] The control panel 16 is communicatively connected to the programmable logic control unit 14 and is configured to notify the user of alarm information in a predetermined manner under the control of the programmable logic control unit 14.

[0047] Control panel 16 is, for example, the KTP700 panel. The KTP700 panel is a state-of-the-art human-machine interface (HMI) touch panel with higher resolution, resulting in clearer graphics and text, and supporting more complex user interface designs. Equipped with a more powerful processor and larger memory, the KTP700 panel can handle more complex digital tasks and run more sophisticated software applications, while also improving data processing speed. The KTP700 panel offers more communication interfaces and more flexible connectivity options, such as Ethernet, USB, and serial interfaces, enabling better integration with other devices and systems. The KTP700 panel also provides enhanced network security features, which are crucial for modern industrial applications, preventing unauthorized access and data breaches.

[0048] The KTP700 panel can communicate with a programmable logic control unit 14, such as an S7-1500 PLC, via an S7 connection.

[0049] The number of control panels 16 can be one or more. Under the control of the programmable logic control unit 14, different alarm information can be sent to different control panels 16 according to predetermined standards. For example, based on the alarm level, emergency alarm information can be sent to all control panels 16, while general alarm information can be sent only to specific control panels; based on the type of alarm information, such as fire or water leakage, different types of alarm information can be sent to the corresponding control panels 16; based on the area or location, alarm information from a specific area can be sent to the corresponding control panel 16 for timely handling; based on the time, alarm information occurring within a specific time period can be set to be sent to a designated control panel 16 to ensure timely response; based on the device type, alarm information from a specific device can be sent to the corresponding control panel 16 to ensure targeted problem handling.

[0050] The control panel can present alarm information to the user in a variety of ways, for example, at least one of the following methods:

[0051] Alarm sound: When the control panel receives an alarm message, it can alert the user by emitting an audible alarm, allowing the user to immediately notice the problem and take action.

[0052] Vibration alert: When the control panel receives an alarm message, it will alert the user to the system alarm situation by vibrating.

[0053] Message pop-up: When the control panel receives an alarm message, a pop-up window will appear to notify the user of the specific alarm content and solution.

[0054] Highlighting: When the control panel receives an alarm message, the alarm message will be displayed on the screen in a special color, font, or flashing manner to attract the user's attention.

[0055] Icon hint: When the Control Panel receives an alarm message, a specific alarm icon will be displayed on the taskbar or desktop to let the user know that there is a problem with the system.

[0056] LED indicator lights: LED indicator lights can be designed on the control panel. When the control panel receives an alarm message, the corresponding indicator light will flash or change color to attract the user's attention.

[0057] Although in this invention, the pre-defined server 10 can be an OPC UA server, the client 12 can be an OPC UA client, the programmable logic control unit 14 can be an S7-1500 PLC, and the control panel 16 can be, for example, a KTP700 panel, this invention is not limited to these. With the development of technology, any higher-performance device that can achieve the same functions as the pre-defined server 10, client 12, programmable logic control unit 14, and control panel 16 can be used as the pre-defined server 10, client 12, programmable logic control unit 14, and control panel 16 in this invention.

[0058] To better understand this utility model, the following is combined with Figure 1 A brief description is given of the basic working principle of the alarm device for ship automation system according to this utility model.

[0059] The reservation server 10 communicates internally with the main server A and the hot redundancy server B, receiving alarm information from either the main server A or the hot redundancy server B via a subscription model. Because the reservation server 10 communicates internally with the main server A and the hot redundancy server B, even if a switch occurs between the main server A and the hot redundancy server B due to a fault, the reservation server 10 can quickly identify which server it has switched to and receive alarm information from the switched server, thus ensuring the stability of data transmission.

[0060] Client 12 sends an alarm information transmission request to the pre-selection server 10 at predetermined intervals, requesting the pre-selection server 10 to send alarm information to client 12. In response to client 12's request, the pre-selection server 10 sends the alarm information received from the primary server A or the hot redundancy server B to client 12.

[0061] After receiving alarm information from the predefined server 10, the client 12 will send the received alarm information to the programmable logic control unit 14 and store it in the memory of the programmable logic control unit 14.

[0062] After receiving alarm information, the programmable logic control unit 14 will classify and organize the alarm information based on its internal logic, and determine how to send the alarm information and which control panels to send the alarm information to based on criteria such as the importance of the alarm.

[0063] Control panel 16 uses one or more methods, such as alarm sound, vibration alert, message pop-up, highlighting, and icon prompts, to notify the user of alarm information and remind the user to take appropriate measures.

[0064] In this invention, a predetermined server communicates internally with the main server and hot redundancy server of the ship automation system. In the event of a failure of the main server or the hot redundancy server, the system can quickly and accurately determine which server to switch to and reliably receive alarm information from that server. This ensures the stability and robustness of data transmission, reduces system downtime, and improves the stability and reliability of the system.

[0065] In addition, the old programmable logic control units, control panels, and communication protocols are updated and replaced with the latest programmable logic control units, control panels, and communication protocols. This makes the alarm device easier to maintain, further improves the performance of the alarm device, and provides users with a more efficient and secure data exchange experience.

[0066] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An alarm device (1) for a ship automation system, the ship automation system comprising a main server (A) and a hot redundancy server (B) corresponding to the main server, wherein data between the main server and the hot redundancy server is kept synchronized, and alarm information of the ship automation system can be stored in the main server and the hot redundancy server, characterized in that, The alarm device for the ship automation system includes: The subscription server (10) communicates internally with the main server (A) and the hot redundancy server (B) and is configured to receive the alarm information from the main server and the hot redundancy server via a subscription. The client (12) is connected to the reservation server (10) and is configured to periodically send alarm information sending requests to the reservation server (10) and receive alarm information from the reservation server (10) based on the reservation server (10)'s response to the alarm information sending requests. A programmable logic control unit (14), communicatively connected to the client (12), is configured to receive and store the alarm information from the client (12); and The control panel (16), which is communicatively connected to the programmable logic control unit (14), is configured to notify the user of the alarm information in a predetermined manner under the control of the programmable logic control unit (14).

2. The alarm device (1) for a ship automation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The predetermined server (10) is an OPC UA server, wherein the OPC UA server communicates internally with the main server (A) and the hot redundant server (B) via an S7 connection.

3. The alarm device (1) for a ship automation system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The client (12) is an OPC UA client, and the OPC UA client communicates with the OPC UA server through the OPC UA protocol.

4. The alarm device (1) for a ship automation system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The programmable logic control unit (14) is an S7-1500 PLC, and the S7-1500 PLC communicates with the OPC UA client through an S7 connection.

5. The alarm device (1) for a ship automation system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control panel (16) is a KTP700 panel, and the KTP700 panel and the S7-1500 PLC are connected for communication via S7 connection.

6. The alarm device (1) for a ship automation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The predetermined method includes at least one of the following: alarm sound, vibration reminder, message pop-up, highlighting, and icon prompt.

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